clitellum
Quick Summary
The clitellum is a thickened, glandular section of the body wall found in certain annelids, such as earthworms. This saddle-like structure plays a crucial role in reproduction.12
Anatomy and Function
- Structure: The clitellum is a noticeable, often swollen, band that encircles the body of sexually mature oligochaetes.3
- Secretion: It secretes a mucus that helps keep mating worms paired during sperm exchange. After mating, the clitellum produces a cocoon made of this secretion.423
- Reproduction: This cocoon envelops the worm's eggs and stored sperm. As the cocoon slides off the worm's body, its ends seal, creating a protective environment for fertilization and development.243
The term "clitellate" refers to an organism that possesses a clitellum.5
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annelidOligochaetesThe clitellum, a saddle-shaped thickening of the body wall, is present at sexual maturity. The anus is at the posterior tip. Setae generally arise from the ventral (lower) surface of the body.
Read MoreThe clitellum, a saddle-shaped thickening of the body wall, is present at sexual maturity. The anus is at the posterior tip. Setae generally arise from the ventral (lower) surface of the body.
Read More- annelidCritical appraisal
ā¦because both groups possess a clitellum. The Archiannelida and Myzostomida treated as polychaete orders in the classification system above have been considered as separate classes in the past. The Branchiobdellida are considered an order of Hirudinea, but they have been considered as a separate class in the past or asā¦
Read Moreā¦because both groups possess a clitellum. The Archiannelida and Myzostomida treated as polychaete orders in the classification system above have been considered as separate classes in the past. The Branchiobdellida are considered an order of Hirudinea, but they have been considered as a separate class in the past or asā¦
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earthwormā¦32 and 37 is the clitellum, a slightly bulged, discoloured organ that produces a cocoon for enclosing the earthwormās eggs. The body is tapered at both ends, with the tail end the blunter of the two. Earthworms cannot see or hear, but they are sensitive to both light and vibrations.
Read Moreā¦32 and 37 is the clitellum, a slightly bulged, discoloured organ that produces a cocoon for enclosing the earthwormās eggs. The body is tapered at both ends, with the tail end the blunter of the two. Earthworms cannot see or hear, but they are sensitive to both light and vibrations.
Read More- reproductive behaviourSegmented worms
ā¦a swollen girdle-like structure, the clitellum, which serves an important function in reproduction. After the eggs have matured, a mucous tube, secreted from the clitellum, slides along the body as the worm moves backward. The stored sperm are discharged into this tube, as are the eggs when the tube slidesā¦
Read Moreā¦a swollen girdle-like structure, the clitellum, which serves an important function in reproduction. After the eggs have matured, a mucous tube, secreted from the clitellum, slides along the body as the worm moves backward. The stored sperm are discharged into this tube, as are the eggs when the tube slidesā¦
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